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Meniscus surgery

Meniscus surgery – what is it exactly?

Meniscus surgery is one of the most common procedures performed on the knee. Generally, meniscus surgeries are done minimally invasively, so there is no long downtime. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber, so to speak, during all kinds of movements. They are fibrocartilages shaped like a crescent. They are designed to increase the contact area between the two bones in the knee and stabilize the knee joint.

There are a total of two menisci per knee, divided into inner and outer meniscus. If meniscus damage or a meniscus tear now occurs, surgery may be necessary. As a rule, meniscus surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and takes between 5 and 20 minutes at our center.

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Table of Contents:

Meniscus surgery – what are the possible reasons for surgery?
Meniscus surgery – what preliminary examinations must be made?

Meniscus surgery – what are the methods?
What is the procedure for meniscus surgery?
Meniscus surgery – what are the risks involved?
Tips for the time after meniscus surgery

Meniscus surgery – what are the possible reasons for surgery?

An injury to the meniscus makes meniscus surgery necessary in many cases. Typical injuries to the meniscus can include, for example, a partial or complete tear of the meniscus. The inner meniscus is usually affected, because it is more immobile than the outer meniscus. In some circumstances, other injuries may also occur in connection with dislocation of the meniscus, such as a torn tendon or cruciate ligament. However, a sports injury does not always have to be the reason for a meniscus tear. Osteoarthritis can also be the cause of meniscus surgery.

Pain and swelling in the knee area that occur after an accident, for example, can be an indication of a meniscus lesion. Under certain circumstances, the knee joint may also be blocked. If the meniscus damage is a result of osteoarthritis, other complaints occur, usually under load of the knee.

Meniscus surgery – what preliminary examinations must be made?

The first step before a meniscus surgery is a detailed patient interview, in the context of which possible pre-existing conditions or existing diseases can be clarified. This is followed by a physical examination, with the knee in particular being examined. It is checked how it behaves with the rotation and bending abilities of the joint. The results can provide an initial indication of any damage to the menisci. Other, diagnostic measures that can be applied before meniscus surgery:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee at the beginning of meniscus surgery.

Especially the diagnostic arthroscopy at the beginning of a meniscus surgery is an important diagnostic possibility to assess the exact extent of the damage. It is important to rule out other causes that may be causing knee pain.

Meniscus surgery – what are the methods?

In most cases, meniscus surgery is performed arthroscopically. Damage to the meniscus can be repaired during this arthroscopy. Within this framework, the smoothing of fibrocartilage takes place and torn parts can also be removed. The goal of meniscus surgery is to fully restore the knee joint’s ability to glide and bear weight. An overview of the various surgical methods:

Partial meniscectomy: Partial resection of the meniscus is performed when fibrocartilage cannot be sutured. This type of surgery is designed to preserve as much meniscal tissue as possible to maintain functionality. The bearing surface of the cartilage is increased only minimally, which subsequently has no adverse effect.

Meniscus suture: In a procedure called meniscus refixation, the torn areas are sutured back into place. This is only feasible if it is a partial tear of the meniscus. Another requirement is that the meniscus is still fixed to the capsule and connected to the blood vessels. For fresh tears of the meniscus located near the base, meniscus is possible in patients up to 40 years of age. The aim is to preserve the function of the fibrocartilage and prevent more rapid joint wear.

Complete meniscectomy: Meniscectomy is rarely performed and only when there is hardly any healthy meniscal tissue left. Removal is usually followed by implantation of an artificial meniscus, similar to an artificial knee joint. This surgical method is intended to conservatively prevent osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Our doctors will clarify which meniscus surgery is suitable for you. We will discuss all steps of the treatment in our Orthopedic Center Munich East with you and will be happy to answer your questions.

What is the procedure for meniscus surgery?

Arthroscopic meniscus surgery requires only minimal incisions, into which a special camera and the necessary surgical instruments are inserted. The camera transmits the images to an external monitor, giving the treating surgeon an optimal view of the treatment area.

Meniscus surgery – what are the risks involved?

Every operation is associated with certain risks and this is also true for meniscus surgery. For example, postoperative bleeding may occur, and the risk is somewhat higher with the open method. Infections of the knee joint can also occur, but this is very rare. Other risks that may occur during meniscus surgery:

Thromboses
Irritation cast
Post-bleeding

Before meniscus surgery, we will fully inform you about the risks associated with this procedure.

Tips for the time after meniscus surgery

Depending on which method has been used, you need to pay attention to some things. If a meniscus suture has been performed, you will not be able to put full weight on the knee for the first time (4-6 weeks) after the meniscus surgery. So you will be dependent on walking aids in the early days. If the knee is loaded too early, this may have a negative effect on the healing process. It usually takes two to three months before your knee can bear full weight again. The same is true for a meniscus replacement.

If only part of the meniscus was removed, you will only need to rest the affected knee for a few days. With all surgical methods, special physiotherapy should be followed afterwards to achieve full mobility of the knee. More tips for the period after partial meniscus removal:

You must abstain from sports for about 6 weeks
Physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles
Any existing excess weight should be reduced

After meniscus surgery, it may be appropriate to refrain from certain, sporting activities. These include soccer or skiing, for example, as the risk of injury in these areas is above average and can lead to renewed meniscus damage.

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